2020 BMW 228i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2020 BMW 228i has a complaint index of 29 out of the 8 model years tracked, ranking 6th-worst, with 3 complaints and 2 recalls on file. Suspension, wheels and tires make up 67% of reported problems, mostly at low mileage.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 29/100
- #6 of 8 228i years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 3
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 23 city / 33 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2020 BMW 228i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (67%)
- Electrical System1 (33%)
- Other1 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (33%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Tires reportedly run flat after hitting small potholes, with one owner noting a flat at 700 miles and another flat months later on a highway.
- A drive train malfunction triggered a warning that required towing to a dealer for diagnosis.
- Dealers reportedly traced an electrical fault to a faulty GWS system, requiring a new center console and battery replacement.
- One owner was told moisture in the cup holder caused electrical faults despite low mileage on the vehicle.
2020 BMW 228i recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V584000Aug 16, 2023Electrical System144 vehicles
Electrical system:software
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 21V091000Feb 18, 2021Visibility & Wipers14,011 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 228i, 228i xDrive, and M235i xDrive vehicles. If the driver initiates an automatic closure of the sunroof, and the vehicle key status is changed to "off" or "lock," the sunroof may continue to close. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."
Risk: If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2020 BMW 228i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other 228i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 BMW 228i reliable?
- NHTSA lists 3 complaints and 2 recalls for the 2020 228i, giving it a complaint index of 29, which ranks 6th-worst among the 8 model years with data. Most reported problems involve suspension, wheels, and tires.
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 BMW 228i?
- Suspension, wheels and tires issues make up 67% of reported problems, including tires that reportedly went flat after minor pothole impacts. Electrical system and transmission/powertrain issues each account for a smaller share.
- Does the 2020 BMW 228i have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a receiver audio module software update (campaign 23V584000) and one for a sunroof electronic coding issue (campaign 21V091000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2020 228i compare to other 228i model years?
- With a complaint index of 29, the 2020 model ranks 6th-worst out of 8 years tracked. The 2015 model year has the highest complaint index at 100 and is rated Avoid, while the 2014 model year is rated Good.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 BMW 228i?
- The EPA rates the 2020 228i at 27 mpg combined (23 city / 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.